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Cerebral Palsy: Early Signs

Topic Overview

Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice signs of cerebral palsy in a child. Typically, parents suspect a problem when their baby does not reach developmental milestones at predictable times.

Early signs of developmental delays possibly related to cerebral palsy

Age

Developmental delay

3 months

Baby does not:

Turn to a sudden noise or familiar voice.

Follow objects with his or her eyes.

Smile or show other facial expressions.

5 months

Baby does not:

Hold his or her head straight.

Lift his or her head up when pulled from a lying flat position to a sitting position.

6 months

By 6 months: Baby does not roll over.

After 6 months: Baby pushes food out of his or her mouth with the tongue rather than accepting it, as most babies would at this age.

8 months

Baby does not sit without support.

12 months

Baby either does not crawl or crawls dragging one side of the body or both legs.

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